Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Ready...Set...Go! Time for Another Half Marathon!

With only four days until my next Half Marathon I am happy to report that I am ready! In February I was feeling nervous. I was not sure I could get myself where I wanted to be physically and mentally to complete this race. I kicked my own ass in March and pounded those miles out. I am happy to report that I ended March with logging 123.04 miles. I wanted to hit 95 and would have been happy with 100. I was determined to get myself ready for this race and didn't even realize that I had surpassed my monthly mileage goal. I was pretty happy when the calculator revealed the number my happy feet ran.

In my last running review I shared that I was doing a Fit Abs Challenge. I joined a Facebook group called: The Fit Runner Club. I had no idea how awesome this group would be. Not to mention what an asset to my current training. I enjoyed the challenge and was motivated and inspired by the other runners. I even felt that by the end of the month I got to know some of the other group members, and looked forward to checking what everyone else had accomplished for themselves each day. Everyday I did my WOD (workout of the day), logged my points, shared my pictures (you share healthy meal photo's and work out accountability pics), and everyday I got stronger. I was able to see a difference in my core strength by the end of the month. I have continued to do my AB WOD and this month the group is focusing on Glutes. If you are a runner, or want to be, I suggest you check this group out.

In March I kept to my four days a week running schedule while adding in some walking with my children and cross training with Jillian Michael's Shred video. I have finally moved to level three of the workout and do this at least two days a week. The workout is quick, effective and I feel challenged in just the short time it takes to do it. With a four year old running around and an eighteen month old trying to use me as a jungle gym, sometimes a short work out is all I can fit in. Did you know that Jillian has a pet pig?! Seriously that made me like her even more than I already did!

I had a running goal for 2015 to hit a PR in distance of 15 miles. In 2014 the farthest I ran was 14.1. I did not have a plan as to when I would reach this milestone nor was there a specific deadline...well, it did need to happen in 2015. Sunday I went out for my last long run before the Half this weekend. It was a beautiful day. I took some back roads and found myself getting lost in my run. Somewhere around mile ten I thought about trying to hit my 15 mile goal. It was specifically at 12.88 miles that I made the decision to make that goal happen.

There is such an exhilarating feeling to do something you set out to do. The reward itself is in reaching the goal. I love being able to run a route that was once hard and have it be part of a routine rather than an obstacle. I believe in order to grow you need to create challenge. What fun would life be without a few good obstacle courses along the way ?!

Fitness and a healthy lifestyle are important to me. If you know me you know that I love running. The wonder of this is that I did not always love it. Running does not discriminate. You can start at 20, at 30 and even 60. Whatever it is you want to achieve for yourself, do not give up on that. The body is an amazing vessel. We can create, strengthen, and change our bodies. We are given the ability to be whatever it is we want. Any fitness goal takes time. Remember that you need to have patience. Results do not happen overnight. They may take months, sometimes even years. Remember this:Always Believe You Can!

Good luck with your half marathon!! Thanks so much for sharing that group. It's nice to be able to connect with other runners. I completed my first half this past November. It was so much fun! I can't wait for the next one.

Good luck and happy running for your half-marathon! I don't run, but I do cheer. My daughter is running her second half-marathon tomorrow. I will drive her downtown and cheer her on. I'll send you positive thoughts at the same time! :)

About Me

I am the mother of two toddler boys and the wife of their hard working daddy. I am a SAHM who works part time as a Veterinary Technician. I am addicted to running and believe in the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy taking pictures, writing, being outside, and spending time with my family. I feel everything happens for a reason. My moto is "Always believe you can". Here in my blog you will find humor and honesty as I write about life with two toddler boys, running, health, and the roller coaster ride of parenting.

“Nearly all the best things that came to me in life have been unexpected, unplanned by me.”~ Carl Sandburg